[color=lightgray]
Azariah accepted the cloak back. [color=c83f49]“You’re welcome,”[/color] he returned the smile tenfold, bright and broad. One last squeeze to her hand, then Eryn stepped outside. Azar took a moment to hang the cloak, and free his hair from the tie, shaking it out. Remembering one last detail, he searched the waistcoat he’d previously removed, and detached Eryn’s piece of green lace from it. He smoothed it out, admiring its gentle colour, appreciating how it flowed under his fingers, as gentle as a current of water lapping at his fingers. With a satisfied chuff, he slipped it into his trousers’ pocket, and rejoined Eryn.

He found her waiting right outside the carriage, statue still, rigid and distant, the likeness of a sentinel carved from marble. [color=c83f49]“Are you alright?”[/color] Azar asked in a low voice meant only for her, and held out his hand. He let her decide whether to link their palms in a casual gesture, or to place her hand on his arm in a more formal one.

He followed Eryn’s look, and saw his sister, who was now wearing a casual dress and was mid conversation. [color=c83f49]“Orianne? Yeah.”[/color] He smiled fondly. [color=c83f49]“She’s Solvya’s priestess. There’s no one else I’d want performing the rite. She’s dedicated to our goddess – sometimes boring for it – but she’s amazing. Strong in ways I’m not sure I figured out yet. So, yes, very proud.”[/color] It showed in the way he looked at her, the pride of an older brother that bordered on parental at times.

[color=c83f49]“Let’s go say hi.”[/color] With that, he led Eryn in his sister’s direction. [color=c83f49]“Ria, hey,”[/color] he waved to her. [color=c83f49]“Mr. Barrett, Ms. Jaylene,”[/color] he nodded to the two servants by her side. [color=c83f49]“Give me a blanket, please, I’ll set up the area for us.”[/color] Turning to his sister, he asked, [color=c83f49]“You’ll join us?”[/color]

[color=white]“As soon as I’m done here,”[/color] she smiled lightly.

Folded blanket in one hand, Eryn’s palm in the other, he strolled with his wife up a small grassy incline, searching for the perfect spot. [color=c83f49]“How about there?”[/color] He suggested, pointing under a wild plum tree. While servants were bustling here to fro, setting up folding chairs and tiny tables for the other family members under the shade of a resplendent oak, Azariah’s chosen spot was somewhat removed from the activity, though still close enough that the groups could quickly rejoin if they needed to. 

With Eryn’s agreement, he spread out the blanket under the plum and its scraggly shadow, where they could enjoy the sun and shade in equal measure. When they settled down, close to each other, Azariah’s gaze turned to Orianne. [color=c83f49]“If you’re curious about my sister, she’ll be happy to talk to you, you know? But, hm…”[/color] he stretched his spine. [color=c83f49]“She is my only sibling, though we have plenty of cousins. So, she’s always been special to me – don’t tell her I said that,”[/color] he gave Eryn a mock warning look. [color=c83f49]“Sometimes, I still see her as that little girl I used to push up on a swing as high as she could go. Then, she grew older, and got this annoying habit to nag at me,”[/color] he rolled his eyes. [color=c83f49]“We’ve some different tastes and opinions, but we’re close.”[/color]

He subtly pointed toward the main family gathering. [color=c83f49]“And, just in case you wanted to know…Lucian, my uncle, is the marquis right now. He’s cautious, cunning, and pragmatic, but he’s not unfair,”[/color] he spoke with a very grudging sort of respect. Then, perhaps out of spite, he tagged on, [color=c83f49]“Usually. He set me up for this marriage scheme, and only told me two weeks ago.”[/color] Which he was still slightly miffed at his uncle for, if only out of principle. [color=c83f49]“It turned out fine, but I could do without his smugness.”[/color] He glanced at her, and added, [color=c83f49]“For what it’s worth, I believe he’s honest about wanting to strengthen both of our clans.”[/color] He paused, letting that sink in, allowing an opportunity for questions.

Then, he gestured to the marchioness, a formidable woman with a dark tan, her black braided hair coiffed and only slightly wind-blown where she was taking charge of the servants. [color=c83f49]“My aunt Brighid is easier to get along, but for all her kindly mothering, I wouldn’t underestimate her. She’s got a sharp business sense, and looks out for family first. But if she decides you’re a friend, she’ll do good by you.”[/color] His gaze shifted to a hawkish, dignified gentleman. [color=c83f49]“That old man over there with the cane and eye-patch is my grandfather. Still alive somehow. Must be too stubborn to die yet,”[/color] he snorted, [color=c83f49]“He’s the former patriarch, very traditional and fussy. He tries to meddle when he feels like it, but he doesn’t have as much influence as he thinks.”[/color]

He might have told her about some of his cousins or the family’s servants next, but Orianne ambled towards them then, carrying a platter of assorted foods, a basket swaying from an elbow. Azar glanced at what she’d brought, and sighed. [color=c83f49]“You and your rabbit food.”[/color] The plate’s central depression carried a large green salad, and was surrounded by divided sections of vegetables: creamy broccoli and cauliflower, baby carrots and peas, green beans and tomatoes, pickled bell peppers and mushrooms.

His grumbling was met with a small smirk. [color=white]“Oh, this is all for me,”[/color] she joked with a light laugh. [color=white]“And for my sister-in-law,”[/color] she winked at Eryn.

Azar shook his head, but was smiling. He brushed his wife’s arm, and stood up. [color=c83f49]“I’ll bring some meat. Eryn, do you want some? Oh, and do you drink wine?”[/color] He took whatever order she had, if any, then returned to one of the carriages, where the servants were gathered around the cooking area, which was composed of two portable grills, and numerous pots and pans set on grates over campfires. Most dishes had been pre-prepared and had only needed to be heated up, but a few fresh cuts of meat were in the midst of cooking.

While Azar was salivating over the sizzling skewers, steaks, and sausages, Orianne took the opportunity to acquaint herself with Eryn. She set down the vegetarian platter between them, and put the basket next to it. The basket was opened to reveal sliced bread, three small plates as well as cutlery. Orianne stood back up to offer a curtsy, introducing herself. [color=white]“Hello, there. I am Orianne Nymere. You might remember me from the ceremony.”[/color] She sat down close enough to Eryn to share food with her, but not crowding her. [color=white]“Please, do take what you like,”[/color] she gestured to the array spread between them.

After they’d both served themselves, Orianne offering to help Eryn make her selection if she wanted, the priestess cocked her head to the side. [color=white]“How have you been?”[/color] She asked, studying Eryn carefully. [color=white]“My brother has treated you well, I hope?”[/color] It didn’t sound like she was overly concerned, but Orianne was aware that Azariah’s tactile nature might be too much for someone reserved, and she suspected that Eryn was very much so.[/color]